MARK HASLAM FROM DALTON AND ROTHERHAM JAILED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF 14-YEAR-OLD GIRL

In March 2014, Mark Haslam, a resident of Dalton and known to have connections in Rotherham, was sentenced to serve time in prison for engaging in sexual activities with a minor. The case revealed disturbing details about his grooming and abuse of a 14-year-old girl who had run away from her home. Haslam, who was 19 years old at the time, was found guilty of having sexual relations with the girl at a friend’s house in Greasbrough, Rotherham.

According to court records, Haslam admitted to engaging in sexual activity with the girl between July and August 2010. The girl, who was a minor at the time, had been staying temporarily at a property in Greasbrough after being offered refuge by a friend. During this period, the two spent time together playing video games and sleeping on a sofa. On two separate occasions, the girl claimed that she and Haslam had consensual sexual intercourse. It was reported that alcohol was involved during these encounters, and Haslam allegedly asked her if she wanted to have sex.

The situation came to light when police arrived two days later to find the girl, who had been reported missing by her mother. The girl’s disappearance was linked to her mother’s disapproval of her relationship with Haslam. Following her rescue, the girl was taken into police custody, and Haslam was arrested. During questioning, he admitted to having sex with the girl, asserting that it only happened once. He also acknowledged that he did not use any protection during the act.

The girl, now 17, provided a statement describing the emotional and psychological toll the incident had taken on her. She explained that she had fallen out with her family and was placed into foster care as a consequence of the distress caused by the relationship. She further revealed that she had started self-harming, was suffering from depression, and was experiencing difficulties with sleeping and eating.

In addition to his prison sentence, Mark Haslam was placed on the sex offenders register, reflecting the severity of his crimes and the impact on the victim. His release was noted in November 2014, and he has since returned to live in Rotherham, raising concerns about community safety and the ongoing need for vigilance in cases involving minors and sexual abuse.